Charles Omenihu believes he is ready for NFL now

Defensive end Charles Omenihu was one of only two Texas players taken in NFL draft, going to Texans in the fifth round.

Photo: Brad Tollefson / Associated Press

AUSTIN — In the aftermath of Texas’ 7-6 season in 2017, Charles Omenihu was left to grapple with a decision that would alter the remainder of his life, for better or worse.

He knew leaving as an underclassman would carry risk, particularly for a pass rusher with just 7½ career sacks across three seasons. But the allure of an NFL contract and more money than he’d ever known remained enticing.

Eventually, Omenihu acknowledged his shortcomings and accepted a recommendation from the draft advisory committee to return for his senior season.

“Well, when you get a grade that isn’t as high as you want, that’s a factor,” said Omenihu, the reigning Big 12 defensive lineman of the year. “You look at the tape and you have to be honest with yourself.

“Those dudes in the NFL are not playing no games with you. They’re all grown. So if you don’t know if you can withstand that, that’s another thing.”

After leading Texas with 9½ sacks and 18 tackles for loss last season, Omenihu believes he’s now ready.

And at some point during the three-day NFL draft, which begins Thursday night in Nashville, Omenihu will hear his name called and realize a lifelong dream.

“The game, once you get to that level, your technique and your mental capacity and focus have to be top notch or you’ll be exposed,” Omenihu said. “NFL stands for “Not for Long,” so once you get in it’s either you can withstand it or you can’t. If you can’t, you’re not going to be there for long.”

Omenihi is hoping he’ll stick for a long time. Same goes for a slew of former teammates, including receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey, defensive backs Kris Boyd and Davante Davis, and linebacker Gary Johnson.

A quick overview of some former Longhorns available to be selected in this year’s draft:

Charles Omenihu, DE

Omenihu could sneak into the second round after a productive season, though he’s more likely to find a home in the third or fourth round.

But pass rushing is at a premium as the pro game grows more aerial and Omenihu’s measurables and showings at the NFL combine and Texas pro day boosted his stock among scouts.

Denver, Pittsburgh and New Orleans are among the teams Omenihu visited.

Kris Boyd, CB

Boyd led Texas with 16 pass breakups last season, twice as many as any other Longhorn, and showcased his physicality with 67 total tackles.

The 5-11 corner has 4.4-speed and acquitted himself well in most of the events at this year’s combine. NFL analyst Lance Zierlein projected Boyd as a likely round 3 or 4 selection.

“In a weird way, I think he’s become more mentally tough by playing against teams like Oklahoma and Oklahoma State and West Virginia,” said one AFC team’s regional scout. “He’s had ups and downs, but I don’t think he carries the mistakes with him like he used to.”

Lil’Jordan Humphrey, WR

The draft advisory committee recommended Humphrey return for his senior season. But the big-bodied wideout decided to strike while the iron was hot after leading Texas with 86 receptions, 1,176 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in 2018.

Humphrey’s combine performance — 4.75-second 40-yard dash, 33.5-inch vertical jump, 13 bench press reps — may have caused his stock to tumble some. And with only one year of elite performance at the college level, some scouts aren’t entirely sure what to make of him as a pro prospect.

“I like the talent, but I hate the testing,” one AFC team executive said. “I wasn’t sure he could get open before the combine and now I feel even less certain. He dropped a bunch of weight for the combine, which hurt him more than helped him.”

Humphrey could be stuck waiting for a call until the sixth or seventh round.

Gary Johnson, LB

Speed is the greatest asset for Johnson, who led Texas in total tackles (90) and ranked second with 16.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks as a senior. Johnson dazzled by clocking a 4.43 40 at the combine, though his lateral quickness is regarded as a weakness.

CBS Sports’ mock draft had Johnson off the board in the fifth round, though the 6-foot linebacker could end up waiting until the final day or signing as an undrafted free agent.

Get insights, lively discussion and, of course, debate from Houston Chronicle columnists and guests every Thursday as they take on the most current hot-button topics in sports. Please subscribe on your favorite podcast app, and give us a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts. It helps! Thanks!